WEST VALLEY CITY (ABC 4 News) - Another city's police force says they will be enforcing a new and controversial law.
West Valley City says their offices will enforce SB 81, which allows officers to ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status.
Many fear the law will lead to racial profiling.
The city says their efforts will focus on areas of criminal behavior and illegal immigrants, and they won't be specifically targeting illegal immigrants in everyday dealings with the public.
West Valley City’s full statement:
West Valley City’s Position on SB-81: Enforce the Rule of the Law
West Valley City, UT – Media outlets have recently reported that West Valley City will not be enforcing the provisions of Senate Bill 81. This assertion is incorrect. West Valley City and its elected leaders are first, and foremost, respecters of the rule of law, this principle being the bedrock of security and safety for all who live in this country. As we understand the principles of SB81, and as the practical application of those principles is developed, we will obey the law. This being the case, new legislation often brings with it misunderstanding and fear of its implication. We urge all concerned residents and citizens who have questions about these implications to familiarize themselves with the law.
West Valley City’s law enforcement efforts, as they pertain to illegal immigration, will continue to focus on the areas we have heretofore focused on: criminal behavior. This focus applies to illegal immigrants in the same way that it does with our citizenry. We will not be changing police enforcement efforts to specifically target illegal immigrants, but at the same time, we have always used the tools at our disposal to help proper authorities remove illegal immigrants caught in the act of criminal behavior. We will continue to do so. We will also look for ways to cooperate with the federal government as they may help our goal of stopping crime, just as we do with other federal assets that help in our battle to stop crime.
As always, we urge all who live within the borders of our city to respect and obey the law.
